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Kensdock report: Striper season opens today

It is the first day of striper season in the NJ back bay areas today. The first stripers of the season in Cape May co. are usually taken around the power plant in upper twp.. The power plant must be discharging hot water for the bite to start. Figuring out when this will take place can be difficult, as they consider this information security sensitive. A few striper sharps have somehow figured out the plant schedule, I look for them to catch the first bass of the season. The large amount of north east storms this winter have carved out new fishing holes in the back waters and the beach front. All the sand they pumped on to the beach last fall in Stone Harbor NJ is completely gone.The jetties are now exposed and extend into the ocean at low tide! Last spring the striper fishing along the beach front was excellent, with bass in the 30-40 pound class caught just about ever fishable tide. A good way to find some new spring striper hot spots is to scan the area you will be fishing with binoculars at low tide. Look along the sod banks for deep spots, the surf for cuts, also check the mud flats for new cuts and holes. Some of the areas you find may never pan out, others will. Take time to scan the marsh,

due to the snow and ice cover the marsh grass has been cut down to mud in a lot of areas. Thousands of acres of the invasive phragmites have also been pushed down by the snow, what a beautiful view without them in the way.

Update: guided weakfish trips available for 2015 season

The weakfish (sea trout) are the most prized fish here in Cape May county, NJ. The excitement and thrill of catching a tide runner weakfish is what saltwater fishing is all about !

Mako Shark fishing tips

A few basics to pay attention to when fishing for Mako sharks:
1) do not leave the dock without a Roffer's' report. I get one even though I have up to date reports from commercial fishermen. If you are fishing with a captain that does not know what a Roffer's report is chances are you are only going for a boat ride!
2) If you are going to compete in the tournaments invest in a Mako magnet they work! I have seen sharks, tuna and blues come right up and put their nose on the thing.
3) Makos return to the same wreaks and edges ever year, seek out information as to what areas hold makos when the conditions are right.
4) a crew with a plan. Every crew member should know how to leader a mako, gaff, shoot and run the boat.
5) the first boat on the structure has a significant advantage. Leave early and run hard!
6) stay on the structure! not almost on it !
7) make sure your bait is alive and your chum is fresh.